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A daily diary validity test of drinking to cope measures
Michael Todd1, Stephen Armeli, Howard Tennen
1Alcohol Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030, USA.
Summary
Global self-reports of drinking to cope (DTC) showed modest correspondence with daily stress and negative affect. Individuals reporting higher DTC may drink in more varied situations, not necessarily due to specific stressors.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Behavioral Science
- Addiction Research
Background:
- Drinking to cope (DTC) is a significant factor in alcohol use.
- Understanding the link between perceived coping motives and actual drinking behavior is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the correspondence between global self-reports of drinking to cope (DTC) and within-person associations between daily stress/negative affect and drinking.
- To investigate how individual differences in DTC relate to situational drinking patterns.
Main Methods:
- Two daily diary studies involving community-residing drinkers.
- Data collection over 30-60 consecutive days using nightly booklets or palmtop computers.
- Assessment of negative events, perceived stress, negative affect, interpersonal exchanges, and drinking behavior.
Main Results:
- Modest correspondence was found between global DTC self-reports and within-person stress/negative affect-drinking associations.
- Individuals reporting higher DTC tended to drink across a wider variety of conditions.
- No strong link between global DTC and specific stress-induced drinking episodes.
Conclusions:
- Global self-reports of drinking to cope may not accurately reflect specific situational drinking patterns.
- Higher DTC may indicate a broader tendency to drink rather than a direct response to specific stressors.
- Further research is needed to understand the nuances of coping motives and alcohol consumption.